Clearly, there is a deep conflict of interest between the Chamber's aggressiveness on tobacco and the interests of its health-related members. So why is the Chamber so brazenly pursuing the interests of Big Tobacco?

While I think there is no magic bullet in terms of how to market to Hispanics, there are cultural nuisances that brands need to take into consideration when developing their strategies. The Hispanic community does not want to be sold to, we want to be courted, and brands should understand the culture and design effective campaigns.

Lamarche and Christie agree on Marriage Equality and Charlie Hebdo but, like the country, divide on why it's the fire this time in Baltimore. Will we have recurring police-triggered violence -- from Harlem in 1930s to Ferguson and Baltimore today -- or can government reduce both police violence and urban pathologies?

Like Mr. Stanley's miracle cure, most herbal supplements don't deliver the advertised miracles even if the industry is able to prove that the herb is actually in the pills. Americans would be better off spending their billions somewhere else -- like in the fruit and vegetable aisle.

Keep this in mind the next time you go shopping, and consider some of the following store products versus their competing name brands. You'll be surprised how well they measure up, and how much money you'll save.

Although national news has reported on CVS's decision to discontinue selling cigarettes, the national news should also be highlighting CVS and Walgreens in their efforts to save a life and reduce overdose deaths.

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and illness in the U.S. Every year, almost half a million people die from tobacco-caused disease. Reducing access to tobacco is an important first step.

I urge every smoker to talk with his/her doctor about various methods to stop smoking. Please consider adding your voice to those who hold individuals and corporations accountable for their choices. With the right mirror, we just might make the smoke disappear.